Wairarapa MP Advocates for Council Reforms to Shape Future

Wairarapa National MP Mike Butterick has expressed strong support for the New Zealand Government’s proposed reforms to local councils, calling them a significant opportunity for the region. The proposed changes, described as the most extensive in a generation, include the abolition of regional councils, the introduction of a rates cap of between two and four percent, and a simplification of existing planning legislation.

Opportunity for Change

During a summer series discussing Wairarapa leaders’ opinions on these reforms, Butterick emphasized the need for a new governance structure in light of the upcoming formation of the Local Water Done Well council-controlled organisation (CCO). He acknowledged that the current model, which includes three councils serving approximately 50,000 residents, is no longer viable as it will lose significant responsibilities.

“Given that the three councils will lose a large part of their function, it’s inevitable that their current shape will need to change,” he stated. He pointed to an analysis of the proposed changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA), noting that the reforms could lead to a reduction of up to 46 percent in resource consents required by the Greater Wellington Regional Council.

Butterick is optimistic about the potential for a unitary council, which combines regional and local governance. He stated, “I’m thrilled to see that the councils are investigating the feasibility of a unitary council. This makes a lot of sense, and there are a number of unitary councils across New Zealand that function well.”

Financial Implications and Community Engagement

He highlighted that if these reforms could create efficiencies while ensuring fair representation, the question would be, “Why wouldn’t we go ahead?” Butterick assured that the proposed RMA replacement would still protect the environment, stating that the reduction in consent requirements would apply to activities with less than minor effects.

“At the end of the day, we should remember that some of the biggest costs that the councils incur are because of the RMA, and ultimately, it’s the ratepayers that foot the bill,” he added. According to independent economic analysis, the new system is projected to save $13.3 billion over 30 years due to reduced administrative and compliance costs.

Butterick emphasized that the councils’ future workload would depend on decisions made about their governance structure. He noted that a substantial reduction in workload across all councils is expected, which could ease pricing pressures for local residents. “This combination of proposed regulatory changes will also help councils to meet the proposed rates cap,” he said.

He encouraged residents to actively participate in the consultation process by making submissions on the proposed changes. “It’s a once in a generation opportunity to reimagine our governance and consenting, and it’s important that the committee receives feedback from those that live it,” Butterick urged.

In a related development, Chris Bishop, the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, introduced the local government and RMA reforms last month. He emphasized that the proposals aim to fundamentally simplify urban and regional planning, making it easier to build a future that New Zealanders deserve.

Bishop remarked, “These reforms would deliver the most significant changes to local government since 1989. Councils and their elected members shape the places we live and the local services we rely on, but local government is meant to serve communities, not confuse them.” He criticized the current system for being mired in duplication and inefficiencies, asserting that reform is overdue.

Wairarapa-based Labour list MP Kieran McAnulty also shared his views on the proposed changes in a separate article, highlighting the diverse perspectives surrounding the reform discussions.

The proposed reforms signify a pivotal moment for local governance in Wairarapa, with the potential to reshape the region’s administrative landscape and enhance service delivery for its residents.